If you have been organizing parties and events since you were seven, becoming a business-to-business (B2B) event strategist may be in your future. There are a multitude of dynamic event strategist jobs that can be fulfilling, interesting, and stress-free if you embrace the proper attitude. While there are various types of event planners, a corporate event strategist is one who plans and manages a variety of meetings and events initiated by the corporation. These events can be internal for the staff or external for clients and other businesses.
Depending on your expertise and experience, event promoters can be a rewarding and lucrative career if you put in the work. If you are ready to take the next steps, the following is a short guide to help you become an event strategist.
Earn a Degree
The most obvious first step is to earn a degree. However, there is no specific degree for event planners but acquiring a bachelor’s degree in public relationships or hospitality management will help get your foot in the door. Keep in mind, not having those degrees does not mean you cannot be an event strategist, but it helps.
Acquire a Certification
Whether you are new to your career and are looking for a job or have been in the industry for decades, earning a professional certification can make you more marketable to potential employees or boost your career. While there are many certifications available, the most popular include:
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
• Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE)
• Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
• Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM)
• Digital Event Strategist (DES)
Understand the Market
Like with any new career, it is critical to understand the industry, players and overall marketplace prior to applying for jobs online. Learn about the various types of corporate event promoters and how the roles and responsibilities differ between job postings. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from the company during the interview process and in your future career.
Learn Industry Technology
Event planners must master the most commonly used industry software programs such as customer relationship management, sales, and marketing software, and project management programs. The most common programs used by experts include Microsoft Project, Convention Industry Council CIC APEX Toolbox, Marketo Marketing Automation, and Active Network EventRegister.
Determine a Specialization
Some event promoters are amazing at their jobs without needing a specialization while others opt to specialize in a specific event type. This is especially important for those who wish to take the entrepreneurial path in the future. Some of the most common specializations include business meetings, fundraisers, corporate retreats and conferences. Selecting a specialization can help you stand out from the competition and really hone in on your skills.
Develop a Portfolio
Whether you are searching for a job or clients for your own business, a portfolio is the best way to showcase your skills, certifications, education, and previously successful events. The best portfolios include press clippings, event brochures, invitations, testimonials and photos of previous events in which you have organized. Additionally, the portfolio should include the challenges that needed to be surpassed to ensure a successful event. These setbacks could include tight deadlines, creative constraints or launching the event within a specific budget. These must be explainable and are used to show the client that you can work effectively under pressure.
Like any new career, becoming a corporate event planner takes hard work, skill, and a little persistence to be successful. However, if you have always enjoyed the nitty-gritty details of the work behind the scenes at any event, this is the career path for you. Explore the industry, test your skills and earn certifications to elevate about the competition. There is a vast amount of information on the Internet to help you start your journey today.